The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A developer has been allowed to put 14 more cabins on a holiday park despite some councillors claiming they were being used for homes.
Larkfleet Homes has been allowed to increase the number of log cabins it intends to put on the site off Lowgate, Fleet, to 38.
It previously had an application for 24, but has yet to erect them.
Several councillors indicated they thought it would not be used for holiday homes.
Coun Jack Tyrrell said of the designs: “To me this is a caravan. This is a site you wouldn’t build houses on.
You hear it all the time that it’s log cabins but they’re selling for nearly the same amount of money as a house.
“It’s a nice way of getting a cheap piece of land. You build log cabins, call it holiday homes and can be there for six months.
“I think we’re opening a can of worms.
“It’s a caravan site. You wouldn’t do it for travellers but you’re going to do it for this because it’s a developer.”
While one of the planning conditions is to keep a record of visitors and where their main residences were, concerns were expressed over how it would be policed.
Coun Roger Gambba-Jones said the “system allows” it as due to the cost “most authorities give up” chasing.
“It’s regrettable this is happening and they’re cheaper than bricks and mortar,” he said. “It’s regrettable we’re turning into an extension of Skegness.
“If this was genuine holiday location you’d hope it would be laid out better than this.”
Other councillors though praised South Holland’s potential for more tourist visitors as they voted through officer’s recommendations to pass the proposals.
Coun Simon Walsh said: “It’s an effective business that’s trying to expand. It brings diversification to an over-laden business area relying on Bakkavor who have announced they’re to close a local plant.
“It brings tourists into the area.
“I think we should be supporting this business.”
Paul Galgey, of Larkfleet, said: “The additional lodges will support the financial viability of the scheme which is particularly stark given the current economic climate and increasing costs.
“The lodges will ensure the planning benefits of the proposals are fully realised.
“The report states the proposals will contribute towards the council’s rural tourism and local economic objectives increasing tourist expenditure.
“Larkfleet is excited by the opportunity to invest locally in Holbeach and to enhance its tourist offer with high quality, sustainable proposals.”
